Wilson Springs Business Park · Fayetteville, Arkansas

Page last revised Jan. 13, 2004 | Links are no longer being updated

WILSON SPRINGS BUSINESS PARK · FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

Male Painted Bunting spotted on B/T Park property

The City of Fayetteville Administration and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce have proposed development of a business park on a 289-acre parcel located near the junction of Interstate 540 and Arkansas 112 (read review article). This city-owned property has unique and valuable environmental qualities. Approximately 85 acres of the land have been designated as wetlands by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and much of the remaining land has wetland properties. Wilson Springs is home to the Arkansas darter, a fish species that is a candidate for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. The existing wetland ecosystem supports a large number of plants and animals, provides a basin for water to be stored and purified, and has great education and research potential. At one time, city officials were considering three development options for the site with wetland impacts ranging from zero to 17 acres (see news article). However, those plans were set aside when Fayetteville City Council decided to adopt the recommendations of the Wilson Springs Business Park Assessment Task Force (see news article). More recently, Mayor Dan Coody has negotiated the sale of the 289 acre site to a Northwest Arkansas developer for $5.2 million - ignoring prior WSBP Task Force recommendations and city council resolutions. During the May 6, 2003 meeting of the Fayetteville City Council, a resolution/contract to sell the Wilson Springs property was approved by a vote of 6 to 2 (more info).

LATEST NEWS:

Wilson Springs sold Dec. 12, 2003. Mayor receives check in the amount of $5,177,115 from Hunter Haynes of Haynes Limited

see news article

During their October 21, 2003 meeting, Fayetteville City Council approves commercial/residential development for Wilson Springs property. Audubon Society plans to build nature center on 124-acre preserved tract. See news article for more details.
Fayetteville Planning Commission approves "springwoods" planned zoning district (the development formally known as Wilson Spring Business Park). See related news article.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess environmental impact of the proposed Wilson Springs development (see notice and news article). Interested parties may submit written comments or objections relative to the proposed work on or before October 3, 2003 (see notice for details).
Developer Collins Haynes submits plans for Wilson Springs development to City of Fayetteville (see related news story)
City mows Wilson Springs property - possibly destroying the nesting sites of the endangered Henslow’s sparrow
A resolution to approve the purchase and sale contract (792K PDF) for Fayetteville's 289 acre I-540 business park site will be discussed by Fayetteville City Council at its meeting May 6.
Mayor Coody announces offer from Rogers, Arkansas developer Collins Haynes to purchase all 289 acres of Wilson Springs Business Park for $5.2 million. (see news article)
Fayetteville City Council authorizes the city administration to negotiate an agreement with the National Audubon Society for the development of a nature center at the Wilson Springs site. (see news article, Coody letter)
National Audubon society expresses interest in developing a nature center at Wilson Springs Business Park (see talking points)
Fayetteville City Council amends Clabber Creek buffer zone for Crystal Springs Subdivision (see news article, see map).
Fayetteville City Council adopts the recommendations of the Task Force (70 acres south of Clabber Creek set aside for development; 180 acres of year-round and seasonal wetlands preserved; 600 ft. buffer [43 acres] preserved north of Clabber Creek; 17 acres of wetlands impacted).
City Parks & Recreation Division promotes community park concept for I-540 property (see plans).
Preliminary cost estimates released for no impact, half-acre impact and 17-acre impact options.
Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody forms task force to study the environmental and economic issues concerning the proposed business park (view press release).
The Fayetteville Business Technology Park renamed the Wilson Springs Business Park to reflect the city's desire to develop an office park on the I-540 property. Please be aware that many documents on this Web site still refer to the project by its previous name.
The Fayetteville Environmental Concerns Committee requests that a thorough, coordinated environmental assessment be performed on the site of the proposed business park (view Resolution).

MAPS AND IMAGES:

600 Foot Environmental Easement North of Clabber Creek: Map showing area encompassed by the 600' buffer proposed by the Task Force and adopted by city council (240K).
No Wetland Area Impacted: Approximate project area is equal to 108 acres - 55 acres south and 53 acres north of creek area. This plan also shows the original wetland delineation approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
0.5 Acres of Wetland Area Impacted: Approximate project area is equal to 127 acres - 77 acres south and 50 acres north of creek area. Most wetland impacts are due to road crossings.
17 Acres of Wetland Area Impacted: Approximate project area is equal to 146 acres - 96 acres south and 50 acres north of creek area. The city believes this option "maximizes the protection of wetlands while providing an economically viable development scenario."
2000 Ortho-Imagery of B/T Park site: An aerial image obtained from the City of Fayetteville's Graphic Information System (242K).
Map of Original Prairie Habitat Distribution in Northwestern Arkansas: Wilson Spring Prairie at Fayetteville is known to support a rare fish, Arkansas Darter, and a rare bird, Henslow's Sparrow.
Large Arial Photo (298K) | Small Arial Photo (116K) of the I-540 site: Recent photos made available on the Task Force's Web site
360° Panorama of Southwest Section of Business Park Site: View from location west of buried fiber optic cable and south of Clabber Creek (134K).
360° Panorama of Northeast Section of Business Park Site: View from I-540 frontage (195K).
Various Pictures Taken on the Site of the Proposed Business Park: Images of birds, landscapes and more.

MISCELLANEOUS:

APPLICATION NO. 18609 | JOINT PUBLIC NOTICE CORPS OF ENGINEERS - STATE OF ARKANSAS: Announcement of public comment period for Collins Haynes' proposed Wilson Spring development. Comment Expiration Date – October 3, 2003.
Proposed resolution to approve the sale of Wilson Springs Business Park for $5.2 million.: A resolution to approve the real estate purchase and sale contract wherein Legacy Project LLC purchases the 289 acre I-540 business park site from the City of Fayetteville for 5.2 million dollars and other consideration.
Real Estate Purchase and Sale Contract Between Legacy Project, LLC and the City of Fayetteville (792K PDF): A copy of the 10-page agreement negotiated between Mayor Dan Coody and developer Collins Haynes
Application for Grant Assistance from the Economic Development of Arkansas Fund (1.1M PDF): A copy of the grant application which resulted in the City of Fayetteville being awarded $485,740 for "Infrastructure for Arkansas Research and Technology Park"
Chronology of Events Related to the City's Development of Wilson Springs Business Park: History of the I-540 project from 1989 to January 2003. Recommended reading.
Wilson Springs Nature Center - Talking Points: Various reasons why it makes fiscal and environmental sense to support long-term lease negotiations between the City of Fayetteville and the Audubon Society
Fayetteville City Council Resolution No. 192-02: A resolution to authorize the City of Fayetteville to negotiate an agreement with the national Audubon society for property within the Wilson Springs Business Park
Jan. 7, 2003 letter from Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody to Ken Smith, executive director of the state Audubon chapter: Mayor Coody "goes over some of the discussion" he has had with Audubon representatives concerning the proposed Wilson Springs Nature Center.
Fayetteville City Council Resolution No. 179-02: A resolution to amend Resolution No. 153-02 to exempt that portion of the 600 foot buffer strip north of Clabber Creek lying west of Deane Solomon Road
Minutes from a Special Meeting of the Fayetteville City Council held October 2, 2002,: Public comment from the meeting where city council adopted the Task Force's recommendations concerning Wilson Springs Business Park. (Adobe Acrobat Req.)
Minutes from a meeting of the Fayetteville City Council held December 3, 2002: Public comment from the meeting where city council adopted the resolution to negotiate an agreement with the national Audubon society for a nature park at Wilson Springs.
Wilson Springs Site Status Report, July 9, 2002: Site description, major physical features, biological observations, development proposal - issues and current concerns, economic issues. Recommended reading.
Wilson Springs Biological Issues: Handout prepared by biologists Joseph C. Neal and Andrea Radwell that was distributed to attendees of the Sept. 3, 2002 Task Force meeting. Recommended reading.
June 21, 2002 Appraisal Report for the I-540 Business & Technology Park: The report indicated soil wetness was a hazard and that a pier system would be required for building on a good portion of the acreage (pg. 27). In addition, the appraiser thought supply and demand factors were less than ideal for the proposed development (pg. 58). Recommended reading.
"Ozarks at Large" story concerning the Wilson Springs Business Park: First broadcast on NPR affiliate KUAF Sept. 13, 2002. Jacqueline Froelich reporting. Used with permission.
Position on Arkansas Darter Habitat Preservation by the American Fisheries Society: Statement from Univ. of Arkansas student subchapter with specific reference to the Wilson Springs/Fayetteville darter population.
Fayetteville's I-540 "Park" -- Some Unanswered Questions: Statement to the City from a group of concerned citizens relative to the City's proposed impact on the natural landscape at the proposed Business and Technology Park.
City's Response to Mudwompers' Questions (see above): Document was presented to the Fayetteville Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) by Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody after the ECC's June 5, 2002 special meeting.
Environmental Concerns Committee Resolution Regarding Business Park Project: The ECC recommends that a thorough, coordinated environmental assessment be performed on this land, involving species inventory, surface hydrology, subsurface hydrogeology, and fault analysis.
Minutes from the Environmental Concerns Committee Special Meeting held June 5, 2002: A summary of the remarks made at the meeting by scientists, the mayor and the public.
Mudwompers' June 5, 2000 ECC Meeting Handout: More ecological and economic questions plus a site map showing wetlands and floodplain delineations
April 22, 2002 letter from Joe C. Neal to Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody: Mr. Neal, a public lands wildlife biologist and co-author of the book Arkansas Birds, describes some of the observations he has made during numerous field trips to the B/T park site.
Bird List for Wilson Springs Fields & Forest: As of June 1, 2002, 125 species of birds have been spotted on the site of the proposed B/T park.
Various Links to Web Sites Related to Wetlands and Their Function: Learn more about wetlands by visiting these sites.
The Nature Conservancy's proposal for Fayetteville's technology park: Includes an offer to assist with development of a plat plan for a viable business park - with minimum mitigation and a long-term commitment to preservation.
Manual Barnes' February 28, 2002 Powerpoint presentation | Low bandwidth version: Prepared by the city's wetlands consultant, this slide show provides some background information about the proposed I-540 park. Compatible with older Web browsers.
Manual Barnes' February 28, 2002 Powerpoint presentation | High bandwidth version: Prepared by the city's wetlands consultant, this slide show provides some background information about the proposed I-540 park. Requires Microsoft Explorer 4.0 or higher.
Wilson Springs: Our Adopted Preserve: Information about the native animals and trees located at the I-540 site from the American Fisheries Society, Student Subchapter of The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Community Park Conceptual Plan for I-540 site: A copy of the brochure the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Division is circulating to promote the idea of building baseball fields, soccer fields and other amenities on the site of the proposed Wilson Springs Business Park.

OPINION/COMMENTARY:

Wilson Springs Business Park Message Board: A Web-based forum to discuss the City of Fayetteville's proposed I-540 business park development.
Times Editorial : Sacred cow pastures: Developers must tell a lot of bitter jokes about trying to get a project going in Fayetteville. It can be a struggle in this town known for never blank-checking development, but there are reasons. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 15, 2003
CROSS CURRENTS : Willful wetland ignorance: The last two years have been doozies for environmental effort in Fayetteville. The project most familiar to citizens is the purchase by the city of about 70 acres of woodland on the east side of Mt. Sequoyah. The least understood, yet deeply important in environmental significance, is a specialized citizen plea to save the wetlands on publicly owned "Wilson Springs" land that borders the I-540 by-pass. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 22, 2003
NOTE WELL : Let’s be honest: Hearing some — some, not all — environmental activists attempt to articulate their outrage at the Fayetteville mayor and City Council (and among other entities, this newspaper) reminds me of many of the conversations I’ve had with religious fundamentalists. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 21, 2003
Times Editorial : Honest disagreements: During the rhetoric over Wilson Springs Business Park and the aftermath that followed, we were yet again struck by the declining nature of political dissension. Increasingly, activism is taking on an oppositional mentality that doesn’t allow for genuine levels of disagreement. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 14, 2003
Times Editorial : A wise sale: The Fayetteville City Council made a fiscally prudent and otherwise appropriate decision last week in voting to sell 289 acres along Interstate 540 to private developer Collins Haynes. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 11, 2003
Times Editorial : Decisive: The Fayetteville City Council, frankly, surprised us Tuesday night with decisive action and resistance to special-interest pressure, voting 6-2 to sell the 289 acres known as Wilson Springs Business Park. Contingent upon approval of development plans by the Planning Commission, the acreage will be handed over into private hands and the city will get $5.2 million to fund projects or services identified as priorities by Fayetteville’s elected leaders. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 8, 2003
Times Editorial : Careful consideration: As the Fayetteville City Council debates tonight the sale of 289 city-owned acres along Interstate 540, we remain hopeful that aldermen will remain grounded and refrain from heeding extremes. There are many unanswered questions in the proposed uses for the property, and we remain confident that if addressed properly, the site can be utilized to the general satisfaction of most Fayetteville residents. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 6, 2003
CROSS CURRENTS : Be it resolved ... ?: For the last 15 months we have been living in a kind of time warp in Fayetteville, a time which did not need to lead to adversity again, but seems to have landed there anyway. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 5, 2003
Aubrey's Notebook: Wilson Spring Controversy Flows On: A few months ago the Fayetteville City Council authorized the mayor to negotiate to create an appropriate use of the Wilson Spring area. Aubunique.com, May 2, 2003
CROSS CURRENTS : Sameness in change: It took a few years, decades actually, before my father’s words truly made sense to me. "The more things change, the more they stay the same," was one of his old stand-bys, and it took exasperating experience for me to see this truism at work in daily life. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 7, 2003
Times Editorial : A chance: Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody said earlier this week that the representatives from the Audubon Society, who wish to transform the city’s idle Wilson Spring Business Park into a nature center and bird sanctuary, and a Rogers developer who has offered to purchase and develop office space there will talk today about working together. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 4, 2003
CROSS CURRENTS : Highest and best use: After a year of discussion, the destination for the publicly owned Wilson Springs wetlands on I-540 looks like the view through a kaleidoscope. After citizen effort to structure the problems so they could be dealt with, his own task force being a case in point, the mayor has deflected and ignored their information. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 27, 2003
Times Editorial : 69 acres: Some folks out there have feigned aghast at the revelation that Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody still has a mind to sell that land along I-540 in the so-called Wilson Springs Business Park. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 24, 2003
Times Editorial : Pro populo: The non-existent Hobson’s choice between preserving the wetland at Wilson Springs Business Park and purchasing an urban forest on Mount Sequoyah has nonetheless revealed an important distinction in our community over the issue of greenspace acquisition. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 21, 2003
CROSS CURRENTS : Bird in hand: The saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" does not seem to be a guiding principle to our mayor. For almost one year the public has been put through the contortions of wondering when, where, and how to jump next in order to participate and be heard in the I-540 Wilson Springs industrial-technical-research-business park debate. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 13, 2003
WHAT GIVES : The ‘green’ folks’ Cracker Barrel?: It can’t be easy being Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody. At least last week, it didn’t appear to be. Coody joined leaders of the Audubon Society last week for a first session to begin negotiating a lease of city land for what so far has been a fairly vague public proposal for the group to build a nature center in Fayetteville. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 12, 2003
Times Editorial : Swamp thing: Ah, yes: We knew the controversy over the tech park was merely on hiatus. And here it is, back with a vengeance. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 10, 2003
Forcing a task - Public hearings coming up on I-540 site: We humans create a bundle of strange word combinations in our ongoing efforts to communicate with each other. Lately the words "task force" have been playing a local role. Northwest Arkansas Times, September 9, 2002
Sow's ears and silk purses: During this whole Commerce /Industrial /Research/ Technology /Business Park evolution to which the city has been committing money and work hours off and on for 12 years, not once has any contract been signed nor one penny paid to do any serious research on the biological attributes of this 289 acres on I-540. Northwest Arkansas Times, August 12, 2002.
Whose I-540 Park Solution: Solomon's or Machiavelli's?: In mid-June, the Times was playing Solomon, offering and rejecting solutions for best use of the Wilson Springs Office Park -- Fayetteville's erstwhile "Commerce/ Industrial/ Research/ Technology/ Business/ Park." Northwest Arkansas Times, July 10, 2002
Thin Green Line: Text of a talk Joe Neal gave before members of the Washington County Green Party, June 19, 2002.
An ecological treasure - More study needed on tech-park site: The latest proposal for development initiated by the city administration earlier this year raised concerns among naturalists familiar with the site. Northwest Arkansas Times, June 23, 2002.
Of carts and horses: How the I-540 business park vision is or isn't shaping up: When first purchased by the city over a decade ago, a 300-acre property on I-540 was, I seem to remember, supposed to be an industrial park. Northwest Arkansas Times, June 17, 2002.
A New Mission for Wilson Springs Wetlands and Fields: Comments from wildlife biologist Joe Neal presented during the June 5, 2002 special meeting of the Fayetteville Environmental Concerns Committee.
Green Space and Fayetteville's Future: Remarks by Roy Fuller made during the June 5, 2002 special meeting of the Fayetteville Environmental Concerns Committee
Fayetteville's valuable sponge: Wetlands are treasures to be protected: "Squish, squash, squooch" are the sounds humans make walking on water, or almost walking on water, that is. For the last few months, several folks have been slogging around in one of the town's wettest areas in pursuit of information. Have you heard them? Northwest Arkansas Times, June 3, 2002.
The Relationship of Arkansas Darter and Henslow's Sparrow: A report/commentary by Joe C. Neal on the geology and ecology of Wilson Springs and its grasslands (B/T Park property).

WILSON SPRINGS BUSINESS PARK ASSESSMENT TASK FORCE:

Fayetteville City Council Resolution No. 153-02: A resolution to accept the report of the Wilson Spring Business Park Assessment Task Force. Passed and approved October 2, 2002.
Task Force Final Report: Includes six recommendations unanimously agreed upon by Task Force members. Recommended reading.
Economic Development Sub-group Report: Members: Jeff Collins, George Faucette, Cathy Foraker, John Lewis, Phil Stafford. (Adobe Acrobat file, 74 Kb)
Biology Sub-group Report: Members: Jon Johnson, Pete Heinzelmann, Tom McKinney. (Adobe Acrobat file, 12 Kb)
Hydrology Sub-group Report I: Member: Duane Woltjen. (Adobe Acrobat file, 24 Kb)
Hydrology Sub-group Report II: Member: Gary Coover. (Adobe Acrobat file, 20 Kb)
Economic Development Sub-group Presentation: Powerpoint presentation from the Sept. 12, 2002 Wilson Springs Business Park Assessment Task Force public hearing held at the Fayetteville Town Center. Requires Microsoft Explorer 4.0 or higher. Download original file.
Wilson Springs Business Park Assessment Web site: Description of purpose, committee schedule, committee reports, meeting minutes, contact info, public forum and arial photos.
Press Release - Wilson Spring Business Park Assessment Task Force: City announces the formation of a "Task Force to evaluate from an independent perspective the environmental and economic issues that are before the community concerning the Wilson Spring Business Park."
Letter to Task Force Members from Mayor Dan Coody: June 14, 2002 letter to task force members outlining the goals established for the proposed business park.

ARCHIVED NEWS ARTICLES:

Business park sold: After 13 years and many months of intense debate, the sale of the Wilson Springs Business Park has been consummated with a check in the amount of $5,177,115, the mayor said Friday. Northwest Arkansas Times, Dec. 13, 2003
Council approves plans for Wilson Springs land: The Fayetteville City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to approve plans for developing the property formerly known as Wilson Springs Business Park. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 22, 2003
City Council embarks on PZD discussion: Fayetteville’s Assistant City Attorney was once again asked to clarify the definition of a Planned Zoning District when members of the City Council discussed the proposed springwoods development Tuesday. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 15, 2003
At last: In keeping with the rhetorical history of the former Wilson Springs Business Park, hours of discussion preceded the Planning Commission’s 7-0 approval of a proposed development of the land. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 14, 2003
Questions coming: One of the most controversial developments in recent Fayetteville history will be before the Planning Commission Monday and with it will come many questions. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 12, 2003
Commission discusses plans for former Wilson Springs: The Fayetteville Planning Commission briefly discussed potential mitigation techniques Tuesday that might be required for development of what was formerly known as the Wilson Springs Business Park. Northwest Arkansas Times, Oct. 10, 2003
Measuring what's "wet": Before construction begins, the environmental impact of the Wilson Springs project will have to be determined, a public affairs officer for the Little Rock District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 10, 2003
The wait is over: Collins Haynes, of Rogers-based Haynes Limited, said that after months of cooperative effort between his company and the National Audubon Society, a proposal to develop the 289.26-acre plot has been submitted to the city. Northwest Arkansas Times, Sept. 9, 2003
Wilson Springs plans taking shape; Audubon Society still involved: A plan to develop the Wilson Springs Business Park is expected to be presented to the Fayetteville Planning Commission next month and will include space for the National Audubon Society and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the developer said Tuesday. Northwest Arkansas Times, June 25, 2003
Brush hogs & bird nests: The nesting ground of a rare bird could have been damaged when the city mowed portions of the Wilson Springs Business Park earlier this week, an ornithologist said Wednesday. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 22, 2003
Middle ground: Before any development of the Wilson Springs Business Park occurs, a compromise between the environmental and economic interests must be reached, the developer said Wednesday. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 8, 2003
Going once ...: A tornado warning delayed Tuesday’s City Council meeting and the debate over the proposed sale of the Wilson Springs Business Park lasted more than three hours, but in the end the council voted 6-2 to approve the contract. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 7, 2003
City officials, activists tour wetlands, discuss options: Both sides of the Wilson Springs Business Park conundrum met Thursday with activists and concerned citizens to put their feet on the land and discuss the proposed sale. Northwest Arkansas Times, May 2, 2003
Sale on the slate: The Fayetteville City Council will discuss selling the Wilson Springs Business Park for $5.2 million at its meeting May 6. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 30, 2003
Spring sale: An item to sell 289 acres of city-owned land will be on the City Council’s upcoming agenda, just a month after Mayor Dan Coody announced that an offer from a Rogers-based developer had been made on the Wilson Springs Business Park. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 26, 2003
Mayor: Business park contract may go before council next month: Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody told members of the city’s Environmental Concerns Committee that a contract from a Rogersbased development firm to develop the Wilson Springs Business Park may be before the City Council for consideration by its May 6 meeting. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 17, 2003
Development discussions: The National Audubon Society will continue its efforts to locate a nature center and wildlife preserve at the Wilson Springs Business Park in Fayetteville, although the land available may be less than the group originally requested. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 5, 2003
Indefinite details: Coody announced at the City Council retreat Saturday that Collins Haynes of Haynes Ltd. has made an offer to purchase the 289-acre Wilson Springs Business Park, off Interstate 540, for $5.2 million. Northwest Arkansas Times, April 1, 2003
Unexpected bid: The Fayetteville City Council got a surprise Saturday when Mayor Dan Coody announced that an offer had been made on the 289-acre Wilson Springs Business Park. Northwest Arkansas Times, March 30, 2003
Nelms tells group Audubon proposal is bogged down: Don Nelms, chairman of Audubon Arkansas, told members of the Ozark Headwaters Group of the Sierra Club Wednesday that the Audubon Society’s proposal to the city of Fayetteville for building a nature center on about 200 acres at the site of the proposed Wilson Springs Business Park is not proceeding as hoped. Northwest Arkansas Times, February 8, 2003
Making the cut: The development director of a Miami-based design firm said Friday that the site of a proposed business park in west Fayetteville is among hundreds of properties nationwide being considered by the company for an urban master-planning study. "We wouldn’t be doing an office park (in Fayetteville). We’d do a mixed-use development with an employment component." Northwest Arkansas Times, February 8, 2003
Wilson Springs; Mayor Coody's betrayal of democracy: Through most of last year, many citizens of Fayetteville found themselves on opposing sides in a heated controversy over what to do with a 289 acre parcel of land, owned by the City of Fayetteville, which contained many acres of ecologically sensitive wetlands, both delineated and non-delineated. But as the controversy raged, the democratic process proved itself to be alive and well. Now, Mayor Dan Coody seems determined to go against the findings of his own self-appointed task force and the months of democratic process that unfolded and eventually led to resolution. Arkansas Indymedia January 28, 2003 Recommended reading.
Land deals: Mayor Dan Coody told members of the Environmental Concerns Committee Thursday that negotiations to bring the National Audubon Society to Fayetteville are still ongoing, despite a meeting earlier this week that left Audubon representatives uncertain about their plans to locate a nature center and wildlife preserve on 219 city-owned acres fronting Interstate 540. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 10, 2003
Pulling rank: Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody told National Audubon Society representatives this week that he’s reluctant to negotiate a long-term lease with the organization for a nature center and wildlife preserve on 219 city-owned acres fronting Interstate 540 despite the City Council’s recent decision to sanction the negotiations. Northwest Arkansas Times, January 9, 2003
Top stories of the Year #10: After 12 years, city decides fate of I-540 property: The dream of developing 289 city-owned acres in west Fayetteville as a high-technology business park disintegrated in 2002 when elected officials settled for a 70-acre office development and an Audubon Society wildlife preserve on the rest of the wetland-covered site. Northwest Arkansas Times, December 25, 2002
Game & Fish still angling for land at business park: The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission is still working with the city to acquire about 5 acres for a new regional office at the site of the proposed Wilson Springs Business Park in west Fayetteville, and a local commissioner said he’s optimistic the agency can break ground for the facility in spring. Northwest Arkansas Times, December 24, 2002
Council amends buffer zone for local subdivision: The City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that will allow developers to finish a residential subdivision in west Fayetteville that conflicts with a buffer zone recently adopted by aldermen to protect a creek on an adjacent piece of publicly owned land. Northwest Arkansas Times, November 20, 2002
Task-force discussion varies wildly: Decisions Now In Hands Of Council. The Morning News, October 4, 2002.
Council Accepts, Adopts Task Force Report: Six recommendations made on Wilson Spring site. The Morning News, October 3, 2002.
Both Development, Environmental Preservation Urged: Council expected to review findings of Wilson Springs task force next week. The Morning News, September 24, 2002.
Citizens lobby task force to compromise: Environmentalists, business community call for give-and-take. The Morning News, September 20, 2002.
Park Could Be Give-And-Take Scenario: Task force hears economic, environmental ramifications of 3 development options. The Morning News, September 17, 2002.
Wilson Springs Task Force Discusses Findings: Residents Get Opportunity To Ask Questions. The Morning News, September 13, 2002.
Wildlife An Unknown In Proposed Business Park: Group Studying Use Of Land For Commerce Calls For More Detailed Study. The Morning News, September 10, 2002.
City Needs Big Chunk Of Land For Community Park: Vacant Tech Park Provides Obvious Option, Recreational Users Say. The Morning News, September 10, 2002.
Biologist Warns Development Will Destroy Habitat: Task force continues look at best way to use land at Wilson Springs. The Morning News, September 4, 2002.
Birders Worry About Henslow's Sparrow: Development of nearly 300 acres of city-owned land may not only endanger a rare fish but also birds, local environmentalists say. The Morning News, August 29, 2002.
Park Board Looking For Land Near Business Park: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is moving forward with plans to acquire land for new parks, including property near the Wilson Springs Business Park site. The Morning News, August 29, 2002.
Wilson Springs Committee Leaning Toward Partial Development: Although the studies of the hydrological, biological and economic impact of developing Wilson Springs Business Park are not yet complete, the task force charged with recommending the future of the 289-acre site is leaning toward developing at least part of the land. The Morning News, August 20, 2002.
Task Force Scopes Out Potential Business Park: Swimming Through Contentious Waters With Environmentalist, Developers The Morning News, August 17, 2002.
Committee Hears Plan To Preserve Land: Leaving 289 acres of land on the west side of Interstate 540 virtually untouched and giving the land to the Audubon Society was one proposal submitted to a task force Wednesday. The Morning News, August 15, 2002.
Task Force Considers School For Business-Park Property: Partnering education with the environment emerged as one of the possible uses of the Wilson Spring Business Park. The Morning News, August 1, 2002.
Timeline Short For Task Force: The task force has a preliminary deadline of Aug. 20 to make an initial analysis of the economic and environmental impact of the proposed business-technology park near the junction of Arkansas 112 and Interstate 540, but the nine members present at the meeting Thursday determined more time will be needed. The Morning News, July 12, 2002.
Task Force Heads Down Path To Business Park: There are different paths the city can take in developing a business park along Interstate 540 in west Fayetteville. The Morning News, June 21, 2002.
Of carts and horses: How the I-540 business park vision is or isn't shaping up: When first purchased by the city over a decade ago, a 300-acre property on I-540 was, I seem to remember, supposed to be an industrial park. Northwest Arkansas Times June 17, 2002
Environmental Issues Delay Plans in Fayetteville: As communities in Northwest Arkansas develop technology parks, Fayetteville officials worry they could be left behind if environmental issues delay tech-park plans. The Morning News, June 16, 2002.
Scientific Representatives Recommended For Tech Park - Group Needs Environmental Input, Alderwoman Says: The Fayetteville Environmental Concerns Committee drafted a recommendation Wednesday night to add scientific representatives to the economic team evaluating the proposed business technology park at the intersection of Interstate 540 and Arkansas 112. The Morning News, June 13, 2002.
Business Owners Stress Necessity of Technology Park: While groups fight over the fate of the proposed Fayetteville Business Technology Park, at least two business owners have said the need for the facility is crucial to job development in the city. The Morning News, June 7, 2002.
Fayetteville's valuable sponge: Wetlands are treasures to be protected: "Squish, squash, squooch" are the sounds humans make walking on water, or almost walking on water, that is. For the last few months, several folks have been slogging around in one of the town's wettest areas in pursuit of information. Have you heard them? Northwest Arkansas Times June 3, 2002
City Reviewing New Options For Tech-Park Development: City officials are looking at three new options when it comes to the development of the business and technology park in west Fayetteville. The Morning News, May 31, 2002.
Ward 4 residents interested in technology park, proposed trash collection change: Dumas talked about the new business technology park along Interstate 540 near Landers Auto Park and a new trash-collection method the City Council will consider tonight. The Morning News, May 21, 2002.
Council Supports Preliminary Plan For Tech Park: Fayetteville aldermen support moving ahead with the preliminary plan for the business and technology park. The Morning News, March 21, 2002.
AGFC Wants To Relocate Regional Office To Tech Park: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has decided to move its regional office from the Beaver Lake area to the park property west of the intersection of Interstate 540 and Arkansas 112, Commissioner Bill Ackerman said Wednesday night. The Morning News, March 14, 2002.
Second Meeting Set For Talks About Tech Park: A second public meeting is set for city officials and residents to discuss the development of the business and technology park along Interstate 540. The Morning News, March 11, 2002.
Balancing Development With Environmental Protection: Development of the business and technology park in west Fayetteville will be a balancing act between economic opportunity and environmental conservation. The Morning News, March 1, 2002.
Game And Fish Looks At Relocating Office To Fayetteville: Officials of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are eyeing Fayetteville as a possible site for an office, Commissioner Bill Ackerman said Tuesday. The Morning News, February 27, 2002.
Tech Park Focus of Session: The future development of a Fayetteville business and technology park will be the topic of a public meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Town Center at 15 W. Mountain St. The Morning News, February 27, 2002.
Mayor -- High Technology Development Must Start in NW Arkansas: Mayor Dan Coody said the time has come for the city to get the often-delayed Fayetteville Business Technology Park off the ground and into operation. The Morning News, February 13, 2002.
Council Considers Contracts for Business, Park Development: Councilors are expected to review a $55,700 amendment to a contract with EGIS Inc., an environmental-consulting firm based in Bentonville, and a $128,158 contract with McClelland Consulting Engineers Inc. of Fayetteville. Both firms are working on the technology park. The Morning News, February 4, 2002.
Construction on Technology Park to Start Next Winter: After years of delays, officials hope to see some progress on the Fayetteville Business Technology Park by late this year or early 2003. The Morning News, January 29, 2002.
City Reopens Discussion of Technology Park: Although the City of Fayetteville's attempts to establish a technology park has been an uphill battle over the past decade, officials hope a state grant and cooperation with the University of Arkansas will result in a completed project. The Morning News, December 5, 2001.
Red flags raised about developing technology park. City official doubts its worth, cites wetland regulations, cost to build: "When you start talking about developing lots, over time you should recoup your money," Maguire said. "Fellas, we're not going to do that." "This is a bad deal, guys. You are not supposed to lose money on these deals." The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette January 10, 2001.

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